Manchester's RNCM honours Barry Manilow

Manilow was presented with the award mid way through his performance. Credit: RNCM

He may already have Emmy and Grammy awards to his name but Barry Manilow now has another accolade to add to his cabinet.

The veteran singer was presented with an Honorary Fellowship by staff at Manchester's Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), part way through his performance at the Manchester Arena on Sunday.

On receiving the Honorary Fellowship, he said:

With worldwide sales of more than 85 million records, Barry is ranked as the top adult contemporary chart artist of all time (R&R and Billboard magazines) and his success is a benchmark for popular music.

He's had a multitude of hits, including Copacabana, Can’t Smile Without You and Could It Be Magic, to his name. Perhaps it's no wonder Rolling Stone crowned him ‘'a giant among entertainers...the showman of our generation.’'

Andy Stott is Head of Popular Music at the RNCM. In a statement he said he was delighted to honour Manilow's career.

After the concert, popular music students were invited backstage to meet Barry.